Wander the woods of our town on a guided tour as you witness residents preparing for the big day. Experience the darkness of a wedding beyond the grave and the bizarre underworld that lurks in the shadows awaiting your arrival.
(Ron Foisy)
Genesis of Deadwoodville
Executive Director of Hopkinton Center of the Arts (HCA), Kelly Grill, gives us an overview of how Deadwoodville came to be.
Grill wanted to do a Haunt for many years. The Cultural Arts Alliance, 20 or more years ago, operated a haunted house fundraiser in a farmhouse. However, changing laws made it increasingly difficult to host indoor haunted events, leading to her decision to create an outdoor haunted trail instead.
Three years ago, the HCA launched their first Haunt behind the high school, on Center Trail, which allowed them to navigate the legal and insurance challenges. The standout scene from that inaugural year was created by Marie Leskowski and Elissa McGinty, who incorporated a real crashed car — into a captivating zombie attack scenario.
After witnessing the caliber of their work, Grill inquired if they would be interested in creating scenes for the following year; having all the scenes like the car crash. They agreed, and the results were remarkable. “It was truly spectacular!” Exclaimed Grill. This collaboration not only enhanced the overall quality and immersion of The Haunt experience but also showcased local talent in set design and storytelling.
To ensure the success of The Haunt, they decided to utilize natural surroundings to create eerie atmospheres, employing strategic lighting for maximum effect, and incorporating varied themes or storylines each year to keep visitors coming back.
To make sure the paths were well-marked and free of hazards, they engaged volunteers—often high school students—to act as scare actors. Establishing rules about photography helped protect the actors’ privacy while enhancing the overall experience. By adapting to the challenges and fostering creative collaborations, they’ve successfully revived a beloved Halloween tradition in an exciting new format.
Most people would be content with the success of the original Haunt. They could make small changes and continue hosting The Haunt on Center Trail year after year. Not Kelly Grill.
She wanted a place where they could have dedicated time to work on the set(s) — that was not a public space. And she was looking for a bigger space. She decided to approach the YMCA to see if they could collaborate.
YMCA
Bartt Pinchuck, Executive Director of the YMCA Family Center in Hopkinton, is the anchor for making The Haunt happen in the woods. “It’s been a delightful partnership with the YMCA. We work together all year. Our missions are aligned, and this is a big fundraiser for both of us,” emphasized Grill.
“We intended to use that parking lot,” Grill said, gesturing toward the dirt lot beside the wooded area on the YMCA property. “Then Marie glanced at the trees and exclaimed, ‘OMG, what’s that?'” The idea for Deadwoodville was born at that moment.
Grill: It’s Woodville but dead. Deadwoodville is where people live after they die.
Last year was a walk through the town where they had a toy store, a town hall, graveyard, jail, etc. Visitors got to meet the characters that lived in DeadWoodville. According to Grill, “It was very theatrical with improvisation, and really fun. The guide would take you through a tour of the town.”
As soon as last year was done, Marie and Elissa came to Kelly with an idea of a wedding. “Wouldn’t it be fun to have a theme?”
This year
This year, Carl, the ingénue who is a mortal, proposes to the undead Kitty. Her father is unhappy, believing that an undead should never marry a mortal. Visitors are captivated by the unfolding story and are invited to the wedding. Everyone participates in the preparations and the festivities leading up to the ceremony.
This year’s event has significantly surpassed last year’s. It is notably larger, featuring musical numbers that enhance the overall experience. The narrative is more developed, transforming it into a theatrical event rather than a typical haunted attraction. While chainsaws and classic jump scares remain, this production delivers a unique theatrical experience unlike any you’ve encountered before.
In addition, The Haunt has expanded from one weekend last year to two weekends this year. And they are already planning for next year!
Lyn Daly of Cumberland, Rhode Island: It is AMAZING!!! Go see The Haunt! Truly one of the coolest things I’ve seen in a long time!
Tickets
Kelly Grill on Ticket Sales: This is a fundraiser. It supports the HCA scholarship fund, and it supports the Food Insecurity Program for the YMCA. It also supports the operational needs for both of the organizations. You’re not just buying a ticket to go see a show. You’re supporting some great charities.
Friday, Saturday, and Sunday tickets are available on a limited basis HERE.
Sponsors
Mark Mercer of Under Pressure has lit it up; he put all the lights in Deadwoodville.
Unibank is the Big Sponsor and made it possible for the HCA to present The Haunt.
Haven Beauty is a sponsor, and they get a nod in the beauty shop.